'Iron Man 4' and Tony Stark Death Rumors Continue; John Favreau Return Confirmed-Directing Fourth Standalone Movie?

While the clamor for "Iron Man 4" remains to be strong online, Marvel Studios has yet to decide whether a fourth standalone movie featuring Tony Stark is in the pipeline. Previous reports have already hinted that Robert Downey Jr's days as the genius philanthropist in the MCU has already been numbered because of budget and age concerns.

As a solution to Marvel's dilemma of cutting RDJ from its roster of stars, Chattsportsnet previously noted that Tony Stark's death could be a possibility when he returns on the big screen in "Spider-Man: Homecoming." With that possibility, having an "Iron Man 4" with a different lead could be very likely.

Apart from RDJ's return in "Iron Man 4," many fans are also wondering whether "Iron Man" and "Iron Man 2" star and director John Favreau will return to helm the fourth installment. As Vine Report confirmed, Favreau will return as Happy Hogan in the upcoming "Spider-Man" movie, but it has yet to be decided whether he will be sitting in the director's chair for another time.

As of writing, RDJ is expected to reprise his role as Tony Stark in the upcoming "Avengers: Infinity War," while Favreau will also be part of the superhero flick but not as a cast member. As the publication noted, the actor/director will be an executive producer for the third "Avengers" movie.

Meanwhile in the comic book realm, Tony Stark has already passed the baton and the "Iron Man" suit to a new heroine- Riri Williams. This remains to be one of the strongest reasons why rumors of RDJ's non-return have been soaring online.

Stay tuned for more "Iron Man 4" updates here!